Hey all, i was woundering if i could get a little help with some ideas ive come up with, but first a little backround . I bought a 74 nova with a 350 in it about a year in a half ago (when i was going on 16) with the intension of fixing it up. Well now that i have time to get a job, i would like to take advantage of my purchase. The car has almost no rust on it except for the rear quarter panels, has a metalic blue exterior, black interior and is an automatic. I paid $3000 for it (you can let me know if i got ripped off or not :P, what can i say.... i fell in love). But onto the ideas .....

I was woundering what the right way is to go about starting this kind of project.I was thinking about stripping all of the chrome off and getting it sand blasted, but i really want to be able to drive it this summer and work on it at the same time, and in order to drive it i need to do a little engine work. Would it hurt to not start off with getting the body in great shape, and just getting it running soundly?

On to the engine. I took it for emissions last summer and it failed in a few catagories. I then had it checked out by a mechanic (mind you im new to cars, so dont laugh ) and he said that the guy before me decided to put a huge cam in, which was causing the car to not get anywere near the power it should be, and it was one of the main reasons for my failing emissions. Should i just replace the cam or is there a way to take advantage of the big cam. If you think i should replace it could you please name a brand and specs of the cam that would work best (Remember im bringing in a whoping $6 an hour on part time, so try to mabey be a little conservitive...but im not cheap either :P). I wish i new more about the engine history and parts, but what ya gonna do. If you guys need any information before suggesting a cam let me know, and ill do my best to find it because i have easy access to the car.

Next, the trans. I love to drive stick....which sucks because the novas an auto.......i know you see were this is going. Yes! i would like to put in a manual trans. I was woundering how hard of a job this is, and how much money it would cost in the end. Thats with a trans that can support the 350 + all the goodies. If you guys could also name the trans you would recommend as well as the accessories id be thankfull.

Last but not least i would like to ask if you guys new of any books, web pages etc. on how to do all of these jobs, step by step if possible.

I know im asking a lot, so feel free to answer any questions you want. I am serious about all of the questions though and would greatly appreciate replies.

Thanks for your time
-Chris